A good friend gave me a beautiful and aggressive notebook for Christmas this year with the title “Fucking Brilliant”. For this, I am so grateful. She knows me well enough to indulge my obsession with journals and swearing. The first thing I wanted to do when I got it was christen it with some sort of “beginning”, however I realized that I felt more inclined to start with what I had been learning this past year. So, here are my closing statements on 2018 – I hope they are helpful or at least make you laugh. I learned most of these the hard way, and I still am constantly learning and need reminders. Old habits die hard.

Laura’s List of Things Learned in 2018 (in no particular order)

• No one can make me do anything that I do not want to do.
• It is ok to say “no” for no other reason than I don’t feel like doing something (this one was more geared towards social “obligations”, but really anything.
• There are consequences for every decision I make, strive to have them be positive.
• Spending money should be fun and not associated with guilt.
• Remind myself that I have worked hard for what I have – do not self-deprecate when someone takes notice of it and compliments me.
• I am stronger and more resilient than I give myself credit for.
• People that love me will be there. Reach out to them and let them know its a 2 way street, I’m here too.
• My attitude is EVERYTHING.
• The more positive my perspective, the better things go.
• Some tea tastes good. Drink it.
• Be upfront with my feelings, I have a lot of them.
• Therapy helps. Talking helps. This is how I figure things out.
• Being strong does not mean I am being mature. and vice versa.
• Sometimes love is not enough. And that’s ok. I am still ok.
• Adventures are hard and stressful, but worth it.
• Own every choice, I am responsible for the decisions and outcomes.
• Make sure I have enough gas in the tank before I start my trip.
• The person who is most upset with my mistakes is usually me.

I am just a lady out here in the world trying to make it work. I have no authority over anyone, and really no one does (maybe your parents until you are 18). Take these hot tips and do whatever you want with them. Don’t pay attention to what doesn’t apply, but I have found that these little bits have stuck out over the last year.